While perhaps in the general opinion my force is equal to the commencement of operations against New York, my conduct must appear, if not blamable, highly mysterious at least. Our allies, who were made to expect a very considerable augmentation of force by this time, instead of seeing a prospect of advancing must conjecture upon good grounds that the campaign will waste fruitlessly away." This letter certainly evidences a very earnest purpose to carry out the New York campaign on its merits. On the 31st of July Washington wrote another letter of explicit instructions to General Forman on the subject of the expected French fleet, as follows: Head Quarters, Dobbs Ferry, 31st July, 1781. Sir: -- I have requested Capt. Dobbs to assemble at Capt. Dennis's in Baskenridge as soon as possible a Number of Pilots, who are to receive their further instructions from you. Immediately upon the appearance of a Fleet near Sandy Hook, if you are satisfied it is the one we are expecting, you will please to give orders to the Pilots to repair down where they may be at Hand to be improved as occasion and Circumstances shall require. I am very fearfull that you have met with more Trouble in establishing the Chain of expresses than you expected -- as I have not had the Pleasure of hearing from you since your first Favor of 2.3d inst. -- -and I am informed from N. York that a fleet with part of the Army of Lord Cornwallis from Virginia arrived at that Place last Tuesday. My Anxiety to be early and well informed of the Enemy's movements by Water induces me to wish to hear from you as often and as speedily as any material Circumstances renders it necessarv. -- I am Sir Your most obedient Servant, G.